Author: Hannah

Categories
Real estate & moving

Ask a Real Estate Agent

In the current real estate market, high demand and limited land supply gives homeowners an advantage. Ray White agent Thomas Merriman and Service First Property Group specialists, Andre Pang and Oliver Quach share their responses to common questions asked by Australian homeowners.

When is the right time to sell?

Thomas: “I would advise people thinking about selling to regularly keep up to date with the Auction Clearance rates as they typically act as a ‘canary in the mine’ for property market conditions. If the canary dies, leave, if the rates drop dramatically, pause your campaign.”

Andre: “The right time to sell depends on the vendor’s financial or personal situation. Try to avoid public holidays or long weekends during your marketing campaign, but if you can’t avoid it then add another week to your marketing campaign. My clients ask whether or not they should be selling in the winter as there are typically less properties to compete with. Serious buyers never stop looking and as long as you have the correct marketing campaign in place, they will turn up to your inspection year round.”

Source: Nicheliving Real Estate

What kind of properties are in high demand in the market?

Thomas: “Properties where people can add value, either by knocking down and rebuilding or simply renovating – especially a cosmetic reno or a quick ‘flip’ – are the properties that are in highest demand. The Melbourne trend is toward ‘terrace’ style homes and premium apartments. The idea of city living with the feel of a newly built house is a pretty desirable one, providing you have the budget. Attend the first open-home for a property and you will get an idea.”

What are some things to look for in an agent?

Andre: “There are a few ways to discern between an honest agent and a dishonest one. A genuine agent will give you a realistic appraisal with evidence and research. Lots of agents will inflate sales appraisals so you can hear your dream selling price but when an agent gives you an appraisal, check that it’s backed with comparable sales and recent data. A good agent will also design a marketing campaign tailored to your property’s needs. As everything comes through the Internet these days you don’t need to limit your search to a local agent.”

What are some tips you would give to a homeowner planning to sell?

Thomas: “Buyers aren’t visionaries- they don’t have the creative flair to see past bad curtains and unmown grass, but coming to market can be delayed by weeks if vendors are busy fixing a leak because they’ve replaced the benchtop, cupboards, stools and tapware. All this can be done over a weekend or two and you can hire a professional to get it done with no budget blowouts – but make a list and stick to it.”

Andre: “Prepare your home so buyers can imagine it as their own. Aim to create an emotional attachment with the buyer. It might be a good idea to have a stylist for your property to achieve the desired results. ”

Contact local real estate agents

Here are Andre’s tips to get your property to sell:

  • Kerb appeal: Make sure there are no weeds and the lawn and plants are trimmed. Attractive pot plants can also add to the appeal.
  • Lighting: Clean the inside and outside of your windows, turn on all the lights and draw up the blinds and curtains.
  • Less is more: Less clutter will help the room look bigger so the potential purchaser can imagine their things fitting into your property.
  • Pleasant scents: Get rid of any smoke or pet odours. Open up your windows, brew coffee or use diffusers to add some homeliness to your property.
  • Acclimatisation: This is largely weather dependent but if it’s cold turn on the heater and if it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning to create an enjoyable experience.
Source: Tattersalls Real Estate

What’s next for the Sydney and Melbourne property market?

Thomas:  “The RBA has lowered interest rates further and have increased the restrictions on loans for investment properties but the thing is, investors don’t set rental prices just as vendors don’t set sale prices. The market will take care of that, demand will always win out and people can only afford what they can afford. Once again, this may be the beginning of the end of the boom market, if this happens.”

Andre Pang: “The market is expected to plateau and move sideways for a number of years. Investors should seek high yields instead of growth at this moment. I also see an increase in studio developments like the ‘Melbourne Quarter’ project in Docklands which offers micro studios ranging between 25-33 sqm. While there is still an undersupply of property, affordability is still a major issue and studio apartments are very normal in other parts of the world, it’s only a matter of time that Sydney and Melbourne will adopt a similar mentality.”

Categories
Design & decor

Study room ideas for your home

Whether you have been a student for a while or you’ve decided to start studying again after a long break, creating the perfect study environment at home is imperative to better learning strategies, understanding your materials and passing with success.

There’s more to creating a study space than just setting up a desk in your home. While this may seem like the obvious first step for many people, there are a few factors that can help you to study more efficiently and have a learning space you can be truly proud of.

Create an ergonomic workspace

Having a safe and healthy study environment immediately means you have a productive study space. No matter what size room you have for studying, creating a space that is ergonomic will help you to study comfortably.

One of the keys to better ergonomics having the right chair. Choose a chair that can be adjusted to help you sit at your desk in the most natural position possible. Your wrists, hands and forearms should be straight, in-line and parallel to the floor.

Ensure your home study space is ergonomically set up / Source: RJ Design Studio

Adjustable desks are also a great addition to your space, particularly a desk that can also convert into a standing desk. These desks allow you to adjust their height so you can stand and work. Sitting for several hours at a time is bad for your body, so switch up your study routine. This gives you room to be more active and keep your circulation flowing throughout the day and lengthy study sessions.

Other items to consider include your mouse and keyboard. There are many ergonomic choices on the market. Most of them may look a little strange, but they’re actually designed to place the user in the best possible position that allows you to sit in a more natural position.

Finally, consider the lighting and temperature of your study area. Consult with an interior designer to get your lighting placed at a perfect spot. There is nothing worse than having to sit at a desk to study when it is either too cold or too hot and the lighting just isn’t right. By installing additional cooling/heating and extra lighting (if needed), you can have a comfortable and productive study space.

Adopt an agile work policy

Originally used in the software development industry, agile processes have been used by many companies, industries and now, homes, in order to get through difficult and/or technical projects. Studying can be an overwhelming task and if you’re studying via distance education or self-paced learning, the challenges can be quite difficult to conquer.

Adopting an agile work policy in your studies can mean:

  • You have a solid understanding of what is required of you and in what order of importance those tasks are
  • Transparency to see where your study efforts are going
  • Tracking your progress in real-time
  • Better focus on your tasks
  • A clear understanding of execution order

It can be as simple as using a whiteboard/corkboard or a large sheet of paper on your wall. Using three columns, you will have a ‘to do’ column, an ‘in progress’ column and a ‘completed’ column’.

The ‘to do’ column will give you a visual representation of the tasks you need to do for your studies and, if you use post-it notes to write your tasks down, you can easily re-arrange your notes to show which tasks are top priority, and which ones can wait.

As you complete tasks, you can move them to the ‘in progress’ column and when completed, the third and last column. Another great reason to use this method is so that anyone else in your family (kids or your partner) can see exactly what’s on your plate and whether they need to give you some space with your studies!

Scrum is an agile framework for completing complex projects. Whether you want to use Scrum as a way to get through your home tasks and studies, or whether you want to utilise that knowledge for the workforce, there’s no doubt that adopting an agile work policy at home can help you to stay focused on all of your tasks.

Contact local interior designers

Reduce any distractions

Studying at a university or education facility can be distracting at the best of times. At home, it seems anything and everything in the house is trying to lure you away from your good intentions of studying hard.

Whether it’s binge-watching Netflix all afternoon or simply just household chores like the laundry, there are several ways you can eliminate these distractions to help you study better.

When setting up your study space, choose an area of the home that is away from family members who may be moving through the house. Therefore, a corner of the main living room may not be ideal. If you have a space that is away from the main home (such as a granny flat or a basement), this could be a perfect place to set up. Just make sure your space is ergonomic with plenty of light and fresh air! This way other people (or pets) aren’t likely to distract you while you’re trying to study.

Creating your own “study hours” will also be helpful. Creating a schedule for your studies will help you to be more focused during those times, as they have been deliberately set aside for your studies. It can also help other family members understand that it’s an important time for you to catch up on studies and know not to distract you.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, learning hubs & courses

Increasing your knowledge is something that will always pay off throughout your lifetime. A part of studying more means staying up-to-date with the latest in news, courses and resources that can help you with work and future studies.

Google have a number of handy resources, including Digital Garage. Here, you can indulge in free courses to help you stay up-to-date on everything from social media, emailing and Adwords certifications.

Reading articles and news stories from sites such as Copyblogger, Forbes, Entrepreneur and Tim Ferriss and the Four Hour Work Week will help you to stay in the loop with everything related to business, psychology, productivity and even how to improve your writing.

Whether you’re just a student or you’re studying towards starting your own business, keeping up-to-date with the latest news and views can help you understand more about your industry.

If you love studying but can’t find the time to go to a university or college every week, online studies may be the perfect choice for you. Because you have the perfect office and study area set up in your home and you know how to better manage your time and be free of distractions, studying online couldn’t be easier. There are a wide range of education providers who offer educational resources completely online.

Wrap up

It doesn’t matter if you plan on studying one course or a few, having the perfect set-up at home can give you a personal edge to help you study better and productively. From setting up your office in the best area of the home, to better time and activity management, ergonomic furniture and the right online course, you’ll be able to study efficiently, all from the comfort of your own home.

Categories
Wellbeing

What does a personal trainer do?

Personal trainers were once exclusively hired by celebrities, but with increasing health awareness and the wider availability of personal trainers in modern society, more people have started to hire professional help to get in shape. Personal trainers help you improve in reaching your goal body weight, muscle definition and tone, as well as heart health (cardio). They also help you to build more confidence and self-esteem through personalised exercises.

When it comes to choosing your personal fitness program, you need to ask yourself if it actually benefits you or if it is merely a quick-fix for short-term benefits. Here, David from Elite Health & Strength shares his advice on finding the right fitness program for you – that will help improve your overall fitness and wellness.

What does a good personal trainer do?

Good personal trainers not only help you with short-term fitness goals, but also with long-term health. They understand what you need, adapt to individual clients’ needs and cater to differing learning styles seamlessly. Their ability to manipulate variables, and to balance between short-term gains and the long-term outcome can’t be underestimated. They are attentive, educational and technical, but in a personable way to make fitness fun. They also empower clients and provide constructive criticism when necessary. All of these traits result in clients feeling ready to take on any challenges.

Source: Alltone Fitness

The key benefits of hiring a personal trainer

Foster confidence and commitment

To live a happy and healthy life is more easily said than done. Some key ways in doing so are to believe in yourself, be confident and have self-esteem. Studies show that your body weight and strength levels are positively correlated with confidence and self-esteem. The goal in training should not be to weigh ‘x’ kilograms, but to adjust variables in training accordingly. This will instil a little bit more confidence every week and inspire you to keep moving forward. It’s not an easy job to adjust variables based on individual body conditions and fitness goals. Only experienced personal trainers are able to do it.

Know how your body moves

A good personal trainer educates you on how your body moves. When clients understand the best way of doing certain movements, they’re more likely to trial different ways of solving problems and treating tight or sore muscles with care. There are always better ways of doing things. Experienced personal trainers care to elaborate, and you can get a better understanding of how and why some exercises are imperative in improving postures and other daily living activities than others.

Be mentally stronger

Accountability, integrity and adaptability – these are all important characteristics to have for achieving not only fitness goals, but also goals in life. Personal trainers help you to further strengthen these abilities to yield the best results in the long run. They remind you of these traits that will set the foundation for a joyous and meaningful life, so have these in mind at every training session.

Source: Timo Topp

Walk the talk

Good personal trainers are familiar with all the movements they teach you. They have probably been doing the same routines in their own fitness plan. When you are trapped underneath a fully-loaded squat bar, they can totally relate to how you feel. The same thing might have just happened to them a few hours ago. A good personal trainer would have taught you what to take on board from their own personal experiences.

Train with the training partners

Sharing knowledge is common among fitness groups. Injuries can happen and when someone with the same experience is willing to share and pass on knowledge to prevent it, it brings the community together. It is also a piece of valuable information – you are more informed and you know whether to book in an allied health professional, such as an osteopath, physiotherapist or myotherapist. Being armed with knowledge allows you to make better decisions.

How to hire a personal trainer

Here are a few tips for hiring a well-suited personal trainer. Firstly, know exactly what you want from the personal trainer. If your goal is to build confidence, it’s hard to put a price on that.

Price, looks and location are all important factors, but the most important thing is to find someone you trust. Once you have faith and the right training mate, you will be unstoppable.

Training with like-minded people is a great way to get stronger and overcome challenges by learning and teaching new skills. Learning the correct technique for exercises will keep you injury-free and put a smile on your face in the process!

Categories
Lighting & electrical

Solar panels: What are they & how do they work?

How do solar panels work?

A solar panel is a photovoltaic panel that absorbs light and heat from the sun and produces electricity from it for use in your home. The panel is usually made of silicone photovoltaic cells that are placed between plastic sheets and glass. There are three common panel options, monocrystaline, polycrystaline, and thin film. The most common is polycrystaline because it is an affordable solution and one that has good overall performance. The monocrystaline models are more efficient, but they cost more to install. The third option, a thin film, is useful for smaller scale projects and needs.

Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. Houses use alternating current (AC) electricity so you’ll require an inverter to convert the DC power from the solar panels to the AC power that your home uses.

Solar panels are a sustainable source of energy / Source: Jenson Electrical

On-grid vs. off-grid systems

An on-grid solar power system is connected to the electric company’s grid. Any extra electricity your solar panels generate that isn’t used by your home is sent to the electric company.

An off-grid power system is not connected to the electric company’s grid. Instead, any excess energy created by your solar panels is stored in backup batteries that can be used to power your home during times that your solar panels are not creating enough energy.

Choosing a solar panel

The main factor to consider when purchasing a solar panel is wattage and size, which will generally be based on the size of your home and the amount of power you need. It is best to work directly with a local solar power professional to determine the specifics of your setup, as they have the experience to fit the right solar panel to your particulars.

Wattage matters

The most important factor to consider when sizing solar panels is the amount of wattage that can be generated. The number of watts the panel can output is often displayed on it. If a panel has a 200 watt capability, that means it will generate 200 watts of electricity per hour. But, keep in mind that is during peak sunlight conditions and at a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius.

You will find that models come in a variety of different sizes. Some are very small at around 50 watts. Some are much larger, up to 230 watts. Some may generate even more than this. You will want to realise, though, that these ranges are based on optimal conditions. In most cases, you can expect a drop by about 15 percent in their overall performance since conditions will not be optimal all of the time.

Size matters

Aside from wattage, you also have to consider the actual size of the solar panel itself. The size is a factor because it will need to fit on the structure you have chosen for it. In most cases, the smaller the wattage is, the smaller the physical size of the panel will be, and of course the opposite is true: the larger the wattage, the larger the panel. Look for panels that are capable of producing enough power for your needs, but that also fit well on your roof space. You will need to ensure that the solar power system fits right now, but also think about what your needs may be in the long term. You may be able to expand the solar power system in the future. If you do expand later, you need to consider if you will need to remove all existing panels and start over or just extend what you have presently.

Installing solar panels

Solar panels need to be properly installed to work at their most efficient level. They can be installed on top of your home’s roof, on top of an outbuilding or on top of poles You should try to have them to placed on the south side of the roof so that they get the most sunlight. If possible, ensure they are angled to face towards the sun. If you have a pitched roof, this is easy to do. If you have a flat roof, you may need to install framing to provide for this necessary angle.

Solar panels should be installed where they will receive the maximum amount of sunlight / Source: Hot Water Heroes Pty Ltd

Consult a professional to get a right-sized, properly-designed, and properly-positioned solar panel system for your home. It should be large enough to generate enough electricity to make it worth the cost. Most solar panels systems can be completely installed and running in one day.

Saving money with solar panels

If the solar panels generate too much energy, creating an excess, you can sell that to the power company for extra cash. When you feed the power grid, the power company will pay you one of two ways:

  1. It can pay you a net feed tariff, which pays only for the excess energy generated or,
  2. It can pay a gross fee tariff, which pays for all the electricity the solar panels generate.

Varying from region to region, the solar panel tariffs are guaranteed to be one or the other. This saves homeowners a great deal of money.

Depending on the amount of electricity, your solar panels may reduce your need for traditional electricity to nothing, or very close to it. This could potentially save hundreds of dollars on your utilities bill just by eliminating your dependence on the main grid. As the cost of electricity rises, you can sit comfortably, collecting credits on your utility bill thanks to your solar panels. Those credits can be used for less-productive months, or you can have them paid out in cash.

Contact local solar panel experts

A sustainable choice

One of the greatest benefits of solar panels is their contribution to the environment. Solar panels are much more earth friendly than burning coal, which is where most Australian electricity comes from. If you’re a heavy electricity user, it’s especially important to mitigate the damage of your use, such as releasing greenhouse gases and depleting fossil fuels, by installing solar panels.

The solar panels use the power of the sun to generate electricity, placing almost no burden on the environment. The sun is renewable and readily available. Though manufacturing and disposing of the solar panels does have an impact, they are ultimately far superior to other methods.

Categories
Outdoor living

Spa owners guide: Types, cleaning & maintenance

A spa – also known as a hot tub or a jacuzzi – is essentially bathtub that recirculates water through pressurised jets and an optional in-line heater. This offers a direct massage when you’re sitting in front of a water jet. The water pressure can be directed to massaging sore muscles in your back and neck. Additionally, you get an all over massage from the swirling water. If you’re thinking of buying a spa, or are looking for the best way to clean and maintain one, read our guide to avoid getting yourself into hot water.

Types of hot tubs

Much like pools, there are two types of spas: in ground, and above ground. In-ground spas can be placed either at surface level or on a specially constructed deck. On the other hand, above-ground spas are like bathtubs and are placed above ground. Both come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some can seat up to six, while others are 4-metre long swimming spas.

The most common types of spas are:

  • Portable Spa – Relatively inexpensive and, as the name suggests, these spas are portable.
  • Swim Spa – These spas are designed for swimming in place, similar to the way you would run on a treadmill. They tend to be longer and narrower with high-pressure jests at one end of the pool.
  • Therapeutic Spa – These are designed for hydrotherapy.
  • Spa Baths – The smaller design of these spas makes them great for indoor use by a single user.

In-ground spas

In-ground spas, as the name suggests, is installed into the ground usually next to an in-ground pool. This style is more customisable, and can fit more easily into your space’s aesthetic.

An in-ground pool can fit seamlessly into your outdoor space and take up less room than a portable spa / Source: Silhouette Pool Designer

Portable & semi-portable spas

Another option to consider, particularly if you don’t have a pool is an above-ground portable or semi-portable hot tub. Semi-portable hot tubs aren’t exactly portable – they usually weigh between 180 and 450 kilograms, but they are easier to move and to install. The largest regular hot tubs can take a crane to install, so a semi-portable definitely has advantages.

Actual portable hot tubs are inflatable and can weigh as little as 42 kilograms and fold up pretty compactly. And they can be pretty well featured; a higher-end model may have 136 bubble jets, heat up to 42 degrees Celsius, and seat up to six people. Some even have built-in filtration systems! Inflatable hot tubs cost around $1000.

Spa maintenance

An ordinary bathtub needs to be drained after every use, but a spa has a filtration system and chemicals to keep it clean. However, you will need to periodically drain the spa for cleaning and maintenance. These procedures vary slightly between brands and models, so it’s a good idea to ask about the particular maintenance requirements before purchasing a new spa.

Keep the water chemically balanced

Micro-organisms grow quickly in warm water, so it’s crucial to check the water every day and use additives when necessary. Check the pH level. It should read 7.4 ppm (or parts per million), allowing for a variation of minus or plus .2 ppm. A too-low pH level can corrode the filter and the pipes while a too-high level can cause algae and bacteria to grow.

Add chemicals as and when required to maintain the desired pH and alkaline levels. Most spa owners use chlorine or bromine in their water. Another beneficial technique that can help keep your spa water from turning cloudy and unattractive is to shock the spa water frequently. • Water clarifiers are a valuable additive because they solidify oils, which can then be removed through the filtration system.

Check the filter

A clean filter is essential to prevent debris building up and the water from turning cloudy. The spa’s filtration system needs to be kept in good shape, with proper use and regular maintenance. Check your filter at least once a week, cleaning it whenever necessary – usually monthly – and replacing it once a year. If you use the spa very frequently, you may have to clean or replace the filter more often.

At least every two weeks, pressure clean the filter with a garden hose or power washer set at a low or medium level; don’t use high pressure, as it may cause damage. When the filter is dry, brush it to remove loose particles of debris. Keep your filtration system running for three or four hours daily, whether you’re using the spa or not.

Cleaning and maintaining your spa is essential to keep your water safe / Source: Senator Pools

Avoid oil & soap

If you use the spa wisely and carefully, you can keep it clean for longer. Do not enter the water with oil, soap, sunscreen, deodorants or other products on your body or hair, since these make the water cloudy and dirty. In this case, you will need to overwork the spa filter to get rid of these impurities. It is a good idea to tie up your hair or use a plastic cap while in the spa. Avoid using soap or an ammonia-based agent to clean the spa, since these products can affect the chemical balance of the water in your spa. A much better alternative is to use special spa cleaning solutions or a mixture of bleach and water.

Using an Ozone Generator

An ozone generator is a worthy investment for your spa. It breaks down the oils and other organic matter that contaminate the spa water, thus making it clean and hygienic. As the ozone generator runs, it boosts the functioning of your spa filter and the other chemicals used to clean the spa.

Since different portable spa models require different types of maintenance, it’s a good idea to talk to a portable spa dealer to find out about maintenance dos and don’ts. By keeping your spa and filtration system clean, you’ll be able to enjoy all the relaxing health benefits of your spa without having to worry about possible risks lurking in those soothing warm waters.

Contact local pool and spa experts

Why are micro-organisms a problem?

Micro-organisms are even more of a risk in spas than in swimming pools because of the warm temperatures involved. The recommended temperature for a portable spa is 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, which is also the perfect temperature for micro-organisms to grow and spread. In addition, a spa contains less water than a swimming pool, which can mean a significantly greater concentration of these troublemakers if they’re left unchecked.

Micro-organisms can cause infections of the ear, eye, nose and throat. They can also cause gastric ailments and severe respiratory disease. That’s why spa makers always include filters and accessories to help you keep your spa water clean and bacteria-free.

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

Pet friendly garden ideas

Pets love to spend time outdoors. The garden is a pet’s natural habitat to roam, sniff, play or dig, so take the time to make your garden a friendly and safe environment. You don’t have to say goodbye to your perfect garden, just make a few little changes. When designing a pet-friendly garden, consider your pets needs, throw in a few clever changes that will cater to them, and this will guarantee you and your pets dream garden. Here is our 8 step guide to help you achieve this.

Keep them in the yard

To keep them safe means to keep them close. Curious as they are, both cats and dogs will sooner or later try to explore the neighborhood in search of food, fun or love of their life. Keep them in the yard by putting a fence. Take care of the height and remember that for small dogs a 1.2 meter will be enough, while taller dogs should be kept inside with at least 1.5-meter high fence. Also, take care of the gaps since they are so inviting and dangerous for dogs. Put the fence deeper in the ground so that your pet cannot get caught underneath or between the boards. Here’s some options when it comes to pet friendly fencing:

  • A new fence –Although this might not be an ideal solution, depending on what type of dog you have, it may be the only solution. If you have a smaller dog, a chain-link fence may not be idea. However, if you have a bigger dog, this type of fence may work.
  • A higher fence –Some dogs like jumping, and they will jump right over the fence. In order to prevent this, you can add a few extra feet to your fence by buying simple bamboo or other fencing material that doesn’t have horizontal slabs.
  • Visible breaks –From time to time, dogs may decide to dig their way out of the yard. Placing a concrete slab under the fence may help to prevent this. If your dog finds a way around this by digging even deeper, sometimes the only option would be to put barbwire underneath.
  • Electric fences -Now, at first glance, this may seem like a pretty terrible way of teaching your dog not to escape, but in some instances, it’s the only way. The dog won’t get electrocuted from the electric fence, but it will be given a small shock. This is enough to deter it from wanting to escape the fence.
Source: K9 Help

Create a bathroom area

Designate a specific spot in the garden where you will train your dog to eliminate. Make it a hidden spot behind a line of shrubbery and cover the area with some material that will be easy to clean afterward. Small pebbles are useful since it is easy to hose it down and they’re easy for dogs paws. Be persistent in training your dog and make sure that it is the only spot in the garden for that purpose. Clean it regularly and hose it at least once a day.

Rest area

Make sure to provide your pets comfortable shady areas where they can lie and rest during the hot summer days. To provide a place for a nap means less running and making less of a mess in the garden. Having their safe place in the garden, where they get the sense of ownership will make them less interested in digging through and nibbling the plants. Create an elevated area or place a big flat stone from which they can look all around ‘’their’’ territory.

Play area

Playing and running is something that pets will do anyway, whether you approve it or not. For that matter, provide the space that is suitable for playtime while redirecting their attention from your vegetables. In some cases, people like to physically separate pet area from the rest of the garden. That way they establish the boundaries while providing enough amusement for their pets. Make sure there are enough pet toys in the area as well as equipment that they can climb on, run through or jump over. To make sure they will stay in the pets area, play with them and remember to leave many toys and treats.

Have water in the garden

Almost every pet likes to play with water so indulge your furry friend some water fun. Create a water fountain at the ground level or get a kiddie (not inflatable) pool, filled with fresh water. A small pond as long it is shallow would be an amazing feature. If any of this is too much trouble, a simple hose or garden sprinklers can be of use too since dogs can spend hours playing with running water. Not to mention that it helps cooling down during the summer days.

Source: Rocky’s Retreat

Make paths

A bit of landscaping can go a long way in preventing pets roam through plant beds. Take a useful tip from landscape design artists from Sydney who suggests you lay paths between the beds since it will keep the animals away from the plants while it will significantly improve the look of the garden. If animals continue their walk through the plant beds even after the providing visible pathways, it means there is a gap in the planting. To make sure of it, get down and look for the gap. If it’s there, make some additional planting in the bed.

Keep the plants safe

Aside from making paths which can be helpful to a certain degree, plant your flowers in raised beds. Add some bigger plants, trees, and shrubs or try mass planting of ornamental grass or shrubbery since the animals will most likely go around them instead of biting their way through. To protect vegetables and flowers in beds, try planting a dogbane close to them. It is a plant with a strong odor that will keep the dogs away. To keep pets away from vegetables and herbs try permanent enclosure, like simple picket fence.

Contact local landscapers

Pet-friendly environment

No matter how well you fence your plants, your pets will inevitably chew them. Since some of them are toxic for animals, make sure to learn more about which plants are safe and which one should you avoid. Also, if there is water in the garden, make sure it is flowing rather than stagnant since it has to be safe for a drink as well as swim. Cut down on chemical treatments since they can cause serious damage if ingested and use natural pesticides that are safe for animals. There is plenty of safe options in the market.

Wrap up

A little planning and small effort are what it takes to adjust your garden and to create friendly surrounding for your pet. Your family and your furry companion will have a lovely retreat and safe place to spend all those lazy afternoons. Having a place for spending time outside while laughing and enjoying innocent playtime of your beloved creatures reminds of nothing but good times that are yet to happen. Keep these tips in mind and make your garden a place of joy and delight for anyone who enters.

Categories
Kitchen

Common kitchen design mistakes to avoid

Every room in one’s home is important. However, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen and loves to cook, it’s essential that you get your kitchen design completely right. You may have heard it before, but, in the end, it’s the way we perceive and organize the kitchen (and every other room, for that matter) that will affect the way we feel about it. Therefore, if your goal is to make healthier meals and enjoy the process and the environment at the same time, you should be very careful not to make the following kitchen design and remodeling mistakes.

The question of open shelving

Open shelving is beautiful and it can make your kitchen come to life. This is especially true if you have some unique items that you want to show off. On the other hand, not every kitchen item you own should be on display. Some things are best kept in closed kitchen cabinets. Therefore, possible mistakes are having either too much or not enough open shelving. Try to create the perfect balance for your kitchen space.

Lighting solutions

In order to achieve the best possible look in one’s home, expert designers advise three types of lighting for almost every room. This is especially important for the kitchen. Of course, you need a ceiling light as your main source of brightness. However, that’s not enough for a warm and comfortable space. As you’ll be cooking and preparing meals there, you also need task lighting. These can be LED strips at certain spots. Moreover, if you’re going for a specific style for your kitchen redesign, accent lighting is another type of lighting that you’d probably want to consider. If you neglect the last two solutions, your kitchen won’t be properly lit and can lose its cozy feel.

Source: ESTEEM Constructions

Easy on the stainless steel

Of course, we all enjoy stainless steel kitchen elements. You should definitely invest in a stainless steel oven and a fridge since these will be more durable and easier to clean. Also, a stainless steel dishwasher is the perfect choice for a modern kitchen. However, no matter how much you value the modern look, you shouldn’t go overboard will stainless steel. Apart from the mentioned appliances, using stainless steel for every single surface and appliance in your kitchen can create a room that’s too cold and uncomfortable to spend time in.

Cabinet installation & organisation

In general, the kitchen requires plenty of room for storage. However, it’s very important that you pay attention to the way the cabinets open and the place you want them to be. One of the biggest design mistakes involves the unfortunate cabinet placement where the cabinets next to each other cannot be open at the same time. This is something that you want to keep in mind if you wish for your meal prep to proceed smoothly.

Source: Zinzan Group Pty Ltd

The number of outlets

As you’re already aware, the kitchen is the place that probably has the biggest number of electrical appliances in the entire home. In that respect, you should think about the appropriate number of electrical outlets as well. Unfortunately, this can easily slip your mind during the remodeling process.  Therefore, it would be best to have some kind of a reminder so that you can address this issue as soon as possible. You don’t want to finish the whole remodeling process only to find yourself stuck with just one or two available outlets.

Contact local kitchen renovators

It’s never a good idea to rush into the remodeling process if you don’t have everything worked and planned out. Therefore, make sure to decide on a specific look so that you can effectively discuss the best options with your contractors and finish the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Categories
Design & decor

How to nail minimalist home design

A minimalist decorated room exudes a contemporary and calm feel. It rides off the notion of ‘less is more’, and its style is all about restraint and simplicity. It’s an extremely popular and relevant style, yet it can be challenging to execute perfectly. Here’s how to nail a minimalist home design.

What is minimalist home design?

It is the art of making your interiors functional, comfortable and beautiful, while using as much empty space as possible. In this form of interior design, you play with outdoor views and light around the room, and create an eye-catching focal point. The concept of de-cluttering your home is meant to bring peace and harmony, and gives everything a supremely free-flowing look. It’s all about removing all of the headaches that come with the messes in a cluttered house, leading to stress-free, supremely relaxing living. Minimalism can bring about a very healthy, all-is-calm feel for everyday life. 

Source: Visualising Interiors

A completely minimalist lifestyle will include very few extra things around the house. You won’t see frilly, decorative window covers, heavy throw rugs, or lots of extraneous pillows, cushions or tablecloths around. Most of the walls and most of the floors will be clean and clear. There won’t be any rugs on top of carpets, there won’t be many wall treatments or floor coverings, and there will only be a few art pieces hanging around – and they will be very strategically placed. 

Selecting minimalist furniture

Cost is not an important factor in choosing furniture for a minimalist home. You will be buying only a few pieces, so assign a generous budget and focus on style instead. A single couch, perhaps supplemented by a couple of side chairs, should do in the living room. Avoid beds with headboards, as these are hardly functional but take up space. Give preference to beds with built-in storage drawers, so that you don’t have to buy a separate chest of drawers to hold your belongings. While picking minimalist furniture, ensure that their size is proportionate to your rooms.

Contact local interior designers

Minimalist flooring & walls

Flooring has a big contribution to the ambiance of a room. Generally in minimal design timber, bamboo and more recently, vinyl is used. For your walls, opt for neutral colours like white, black and grey, or subtle earth tones for some warmth and dimension. Minimalist furniture means that both the walls and flooring will be very noticeable, so choose colours that complement each other. For example, beige walls would look great with hardwood flooring. You can take away the drab, sterile look of a home painted white or grey by adding stone veneer wall tiles for a natural look. Alternatively, paint a short wall in a contrasting colour and texture to convert it into a feature wall.

Maintaining a minimalist home

The advantage of limited furniture is the ease of cleaning. You won’t have piles of magazines gathering dust on the coffee table, or a number of greasy appliances on the kitchen countertop. Cleaning is still required regularly, though, because even the smallest stain is clearly visible in the bright, open space.

Minimalist design tips

Keep accents to a minimum

While keeping furnishings to only the most functional elements is a plus, don’t think that you have to keep accent pieces to the bare minimum. Instead of filling your space with meaningless small pieces, choose just one or two statement pieces. One large piece of art on the wall is better than a dozen smaller pieces scattered around the room.

Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Inject subtle personality

When deciding if you want to decorate your abode in a minimalist way, it can be a difficult task in executing the right balance between having it too cluttered or even too empty. A cluttered space can make you feel stressed and confused, whereas an empty space may cause feelings of emptiness and sadness. To avoid your home not really feeling like a home, scatter some well-placed family photos or favourite books in different areas to make the space familiar.

Simple symmetry

Simplicity through symmetry in design and layout is another element of minimalist design. We naturally feel more calm with symmetrical visuals, and this principle gives your furniture pieces room to breathe.

Source: Lindy de Waal Interiors

Light & bright

Large windows are common in minimalist homes as it allows natural light to fill the room and the use of light colours for walls has the ability to make the room appear larger.

Source: Whitefox Interiors

Don’t be afraid of colour

A common misconception is that in minimalist design, the only colours that can be used are neutral hue colours – this is wrong. It’s true that a light, simple and neutral hue colour scheme should be adopted, but accent colours are also essential. Whether it may be a bright teal blue or a splash of green, an accent colour can give life to a room.

The use of some greenery in this bathroom is a clever way to liven up the space / Source: Visualising Interiors

A minimalist home has the appearance of simplicity, but when it comes to decorating your home to be simplistic, it may prove to be more complex than you think. Connect with an expert interior designer to help you nail the minimalist style you desire.

Categories
Real estate & moving

A moving house checklist

All of us are likely to move to a new house at least once during our lifetime. When we do, we’ll quickly realise how stressful this can be. We’ve compiled this simple moving house checklist to help make the entire process a little bit easier for you.

Download the Printable PDF Moving House Checklist

Removalist vs DIY

First of all, you’re going to need to think about whether to use a removal company or simply move yourself. If you are doing things on your own, you’re still going to need some assistance, so enlisting the help of family and friends is a good idea.

If you are moving long distance, it requires more planning and checking in with interstate removalists about the move. When you know where your new home will be, consider the entryways. Will it be easy or hard to move your furniture in? Is the home a ground floor property or higher up in an apartment?

Also, think about the costs involved, as well as how much time you have. If you don’t have much time, a removal company will be your best bet and decrease the stress of moving. If you’ve got a stricter budget, however, make sure you shop for a cheaper company or do it yourself. If you do go it alone, remember that you’ll still need a trailer or truck, unless you ask friends to help you.

Source: A2B Removals

Address changes

People often forget to change their address, which can cause issues down the line. A month or more before moving, start this process. Use the Australia Post redirection service if it does get too late to change it on your own.

Who will need your address? See below for a quick view:

Check the complete moving house checklist for change of address.

  • road traffic authority
  • tax office
  • Internet, mobile, landline, TV, electricity providers
  • real estate agent or landlord
  • solicitors
  • doctors
  • dentists
  • councils
  • insurers
  • employers
  • superannuation fund
  • Centrelink
  • Medicare
  • schools
  • banks and building societies
  • subscriptions magazines/newspapers
  • memberships to clubs
  • charities
  • libraries
  • catalogues
  • electoral office

Packing

When packing you’ll need:

Always aim to start early and move systematically through the house. Start in rooms you don’t use as much and list what is inside each carton or box you fill. Number them as well.

Place cushioning in each box for protection, and wrap delicate items individually. Heavy items should go inside smaller boxes or in the bottom of larger ones. Load essential items into the van last, so they can be accessed immediately upon arrival.

Source: Melbourne City Removals

Packing tips

Start early! Packing isn’t the nicest activity, so give yourself plenty of time in advance

Where to start:  pack away the items you don’t need first so you can then focus on the things you do need

Be organised: it will save you space, time and your money

Put loose items together in boxes

Dismantle beds/cots/anything that can be undone

Label boxes clearly so you know what’s what

Fragile items: always put extra care – bubble wrap, bubble wrap, bubble wrap!

Sharp items: wrap them well, you don’t want any injuries or damaged items

Heavy items: pack in small boxes – a huge box of heavy items is a pain to move

Light items: pack in big boxes and get them out of the way ASAP

Unwanted items: why not donate them to charity? You may not need them but someone out there might!

4 weeks before the move

This is what to do with four weeks to go:

  • select your removal company
  • collect medical, dental and school records
  • organise gas, Internet, phone and electricity bills
  • pay outstanding bills
  • create an inventory for moving goods
  • research your new city if necessary
  • back up the hard drive on your computer
  • notify the landlord that you’re moving (if renting)
  • schedule a property inspection
  • start using frozen food

Contact local removalists

3 weeks before the move

With three weeks to go:

  • start the process to change your address
  • update insurance coverage
  • start packing
  • arrange the removal of rubbish
  • disassemble items outside
  • disassemble prefabricated items e.g. desks
  • get your pet’s records
  • store valuables in a safety deposit box
  • organise necessary storage

2 weeks before the move

With two weeks to go:

  • look at transit insurance, if necessary
  • arrange for moving your pets
  • plan for accommodation and travel
  • return DVDs, library books, etc.

1 week before the move

With one week left:

  • reconfirm moving details
  • change contact details at work
  • arrange for redirection of mail
  • arrange final accounts for your utilities
  • ensure that new utilities are ready in the new home
  • give back spare keys
  • use any leftover food in the house
  • finish packing personal luggage should be last

Moving day

Finally, it’s here!

  • check all cupboards
  • check each room
  • remove garage door openers from your car
  • turn off all taps
  • turn off all switches, heaters, lights, etc.
  • lock windows and doors
Categories
Building & renovations

Setting a home renovation budget

Renovations are great for a change of scenery, update old facilities and most importantly, provide an increase in the value of your home. That value, however, can be severely diminished if you end up spending more than your finances can handle.

With that in mind we’ve put together a guide on how to spend wisely on your next home renovation without blowing the budget.

1. Estimating value

As a rule, you should not spend any more on a single room than the value of the room as a percentage of your overall house value. To do this, you will of course, first need to get an estimate of your home’s value.

For instance, if your home’s overall value is $800,000, (the median Australian house price) and you want to renovate your kitchen, which accounts for between 10-15% of your property’s value, then you should aim to spend under $120,000 – or 15% – on your renovation.

Plan and allocate your budget according to which room will ad the most value to your overall property / Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

It’s also worth keeping in mind that some rooms scale to add more value than others. For instance, while the kitchen is often cited as the make or break room, it offers amongst the lowest return on investment, whereas a moderate bathroom makeover can almost double the money spent.

2. Look at loan options

If you’re borrowing money for your project, make sure you look at what deals are available and what types of loan will work for you. It might seem like common sense, but taking the time now to research your options and choosing one works for you will certainly save you money down the line.

If you’re unsure, speak to a professional who can provide you with the financial advice you need to make an informed decision.

3. Research quotes from contractors

Talking to a professional builder/contractor is the fastest and often the most accurate way to assess the total cost of a project. Start a conversation with a few trusted providers, and use their experience and understanding of the finer aspects of a renovation to accurately assess the cost of a project.

4. Follow the plan

While you’re in the middle of a renovation, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of a project and start thinking about other ways you can add value to your home. Always remember to take a step back and see how these changes would affect your budget and timeline. Reviewing the plan is the best way to avoid blowing your budget as even small additions to a project can carry unexpected costs.

5. Create a buffer

There are always unexpected costs lurking around the corner of any construction project, so provide yourself with a buffer of extra cash to take care of these items. It only needs to be 10% of the total cost of the renovation, however, that 10% can make all the difference in the event of accidents or other setbacks outside of your control. Rather than having to dip into your savings or borrow extra money if the builders need more time or if a window or fixture gets broken and needs replacing, using your emergency fund can save you money in the long run.

An emergency “buffer” fund is essential for any renovation budget / Source: Geoff Comfort Photography

6. Consider all the costs

Keep in mind, when you get an estimate from your builder, it will typically cover only the base price of construction and materials without factoring in the price of interior finishing. In order to finish your home, you’ll have to factor in additional costs for interior fixtures such as these:

  • Flooring
  • Window treatments
  • Lighting and fixtures
  • Landscaping services
  • Driveways and pathways
  • Utility connections for your electricity and for appliances such as phones, computers and television
  • Water, sewerage and garbage disposal costs
  • Ground excavation for the build
  • Cabinetry and appliances for kitchen and bathroom
  • Energy-efficient additions such as added insulation, solar panels, solar-heated water systems and tanks to collect rainwater

To help control your budget, talk to your builder and find out how many of these interior fixtures are included in the estimate. If they aren’t, ask if your builder can recommend professionals who can do these jobs for you at a reasonable price.

Contact local home renovation experts

7. Keep your expectations realistic

It’s crucial to be realistic about the things you can and can’t have in your new home. For example, if you’re on a strict budget, you probably won’t be able to splurge on granite benchtops in your kitchen or bathroom. With all the luxury accessories, fixtures and materials available, it’s easy to get carried away and fall in love with everything you see, but you can quickly end up ruining your entire construction project if you don’t keep the spending in check. From the very start, you need to look at how much you’re paying for the site, and add on the base construction price. Whatever is left in your budget can be used for interior finishing, but be sure and set a budget by parceling out an appropriate amount for each area. Don’t start shopping for these goodies until you’ve set strict monetary limits on each section of your list. 

The good news is that, with auctions, online auction sites and clearance sales, you can still get luxury items well within your budget. Just use your bargaining skills to locate great deals, and keep your eye open for discontinued stock.